Yeji (birth name: Hwang Yeji) is the leader and member of the South Korean girl group ITZY, under the agency JYP Entertainment. Known for her incredible stage presence, dancing, rapping, and singing talents, Yeji is often referred to as "JYP's secret weapon." Since her debut, she has captivated fans worldwide with her powerful style and unparalleled stage presence.
Introducing Yeji
- Stage Name: Yeji (예지)
- Full Name: Hwang Yeji (황예지)
- English Name: Lucy Hwang
- Group Member: ITZY
- Group Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Vocalist
- Date of Birth: May 26 2000 — Astrological Sign: Gemini — MBTI: ESFJ (formerly ISFJ)
- Height: 167 cm
- Weight: 46 kg
- Blood Type: A
- Representative Emoji: 🐱 (cat)
- Representative Color in ITZY: Yellow
Biography and Career
Birthplace & Education: Yeji was born in Seoul, but grew up in Wansan, Jeonju, South Korea. From a young age, she was interested in dancing and singing.
Before debut: She joined JYP Entertainment in 2016 as a trainee. In 2017, Yeji appeared on the first episode of the survival show Stray Kids. In 2018, she participated in the SBS reality show The Fan, where she quickly gained attention. Junho of 2PM called her "JYP's secret weapon." She was eliminated in the fifth episode, but this experience boosted her profile before her official debut.
ITZY debut: On January 20, 2019, JYP announced the formation of the group ITZY. Yeji made her debut as a leader on February 12, 2019 with the single DALLA DALLA after approximately two years of training.
Recent Projects: Yeji will release her first solo album titled AIR on March 10, 2025, marking a new milestone in her career.
Interesting Facts
Family
- Yeji has an older sister born in 1998.
- She is very close to her family, who supported her during her long period of hospitalization as a child.
Hobbies and Talents
- She speaks Thai, a talent she showcased in IDOL LEAGUE (April 23, 2020).
- Specialties: Dancing, rapping, and singing.
- She performed Like Ooh-Ahh by Twice during her JYP audition.
- She particularly enjoys driving and got her license at the same time as Ryujin for Not Shy's comeback.
Personal Details
- Born in Seoul, but raised in Wansan, Jeonju.
- Favorite food: Snacks and chocolate.
- Favorite color: Black.
- ITZY representative pet: Cat 🐱.
- She has a puppy named Hongsam.
- Suffers from a condition called atopy.
- At the age of 8 (Korean age), she nearly lost her life after contracting pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and sepsis simultaneously. She was hospitalized for nearly a year before recovering [Solo V-Live 20.01.24].
- Many fans find her resemblance to Stray Kids' Hyunjin and (G)-IDLE's Yuqi.
Achievements
- She ranked 86th on TC Candler's 100 Most Handsome Faces in 2019.
- Considered one of the most charismatic faces of the 4th generation of K-pop.
Couple, Type, Crush
- Yeji hasn't revealed her ideal type.
- No confirmed relationship rumors to date.
- She is very close to Lee Daehwi (former member of Wanna One) and Bang Chan of Stray Kids.
Official Social Media
- Instagram: @yezyishere
- Weverse: ITZY — Weverse
Yeji in ITZY
As leader of ITZY, Yeji embodies the group's strength and cohesion. She is known for her dynamic performances and ability to maintain the group's energy on stage. Her chemistry with Ryujin is particularly appreciated by fans, especially in synchronized dances and memorable music videos like Wannabe and Not Shy.
Fun Fact: Junho of 2PM dubbed her "JYP's secret weapon" after discovering her talent in The Fan.
Music and Solo Projects
- AIR — 2025: Yeji's first solo album, scheduled for release on March 10, 2025. It showcases her musical universe and artistic versatility.
- Wannabe (featuring ITZY) — 2020: One of ITZY's biggest hits, featuring iconic choreography led by Yeji.
- Not Shy (featuring ITZY) — 2020: A single that highlights the group's confidence and boldness.
